Midway Slots And Casino
Tucked away in Harrington, Delaware, Midway Slots and Casino offers a different kind of gambling experience than the flashy resorts you find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. If you’ve been scrolling through online casino apps and find yourself missing the actual sound of coins dropping or the rhythm of a busy casino floor, this spot bridges the gap. It’s not just a room full of machines; it’s attached to the Delaware State Fairgrounds, which means the atmosphere shifts depending on what’s happening at the fair—race days bring a crowd that knows their harness racing, while off-season visits are quieter, more local, and distinctly relaxed.
For players based in the US, specifically the Mid-Atlantic region, Midway Slots represents a convenient stop that doesn’t require a flight or a massive hotel budget. But is it worth the drive if you’re used to the endless game libraries of DraftKings or BetMGM? That depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s break down what you actually get when you walk through the doors.
The Gaming Floor and Slot Machine Selection
Walking onto the floor at Midway, you won't find thousands of machines. The venue houses over 1,500 slot machines, which sounds modest compared to the mega-casinos in Pennsylvania, but the selection is curated well. You aren't wading through rows of outdated games nobody plays. Instead, you’ll find a mix of classic reel slots for the purists and a solid offering of modern video slots with bonus rounds and progressive jackpots.
Players often hunt for specific titles. Here, you can expect to see popular staples like Wheel of Fortune, Lightning Link, and Dancing Drums. The denominations range from penny slots up to higher-limit machines, so you aren't stuck betting $5 a spin if you just want to stretch a $50 bill over an afternoon. One thing regulars appreciate is that the floor layout is open and easy to navigate—you don't get that maze-like feeling designed to trap you in the back corner.
Simulcast Harness Racing and Sports Betting
This is where Midway Slots differentiates itself from a standard slots parlor. Because it sits on the fairgrounds, harness racing is part of the DNA. The Harrington Raceway operates live racing seasons, and the casino features a simulcast center where you can wager on races from across the country. If you’re the type of bettor who prefers studying form guides and driver stats over hitting a spin button, the simulcast area provides dedicated seating and individual monitors.
For sports fans, the retail sportsbook is powered by BetRivers. You won’t find the expansive prop markets available on the mobile app, but you can place straight bets, parlays, and totals on all major leagues—NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. It’s a functional setup: walk up to the kiosk or window, place your bet, and watch the game on the screens provided. It’s not a sports bar lounge experience, but it gets the job done for a Saturday afternoon wager.
Player Rewards and the Delaware Park Loyalty Program
If you’re driving in from Maryland, New Jersey, or Virginia, you should sign up for the player’s card immediately. Midway Slots participates in the Delaware Lottery’s rewards system, which links with Delaware Park and Dover Downs. This means your play here isn’t isolated; points earned at Midway can often be used or tallied within the broader Delaware casino network.
Comp dollars here work similarly to larger chains. You earn points based on your handle (total amount wagered), not just your wins or losses. These points translate to free play credits or dining vouchers at the on-site restaurants. For the savvy player, the trick is checking for promotional days. Midway frequently runs “Senior Days” or specific date-based drawings where your slot play earns you entries for cash prizes. It’s these localized promotions that often provide better expected value than the generic offers pushed by national online casinos.
Dining Options Beyond the Buffet
Don’t expect celebrity chef restaurants. The dining at Midway is practical and surprisingly decent for a venue this size. The main draw is the Buffet, which offers a standard spread—carving stations, comfort foods, and a dessert bar. It’s popular because of the price point and the speed; you can eat and get back to the floor in under an hour.
For something quicker, the deli offers sandwiches and snacks. It’s the kind of food that hits the spot when you’ve been staring at a screen for three hours. If you are looking for a sit-down meal with table service, check the schedule for the Winners Circle restaurant. It offers a more traditional menu—steaks, seafood, pasta—but operates on specific hours, often only for dinner service.
Comparing Midway to Regional Competitors
How does Midway stack up against the heavy hitters in the region? It really comes down to scale. If you drive an hour north to Dover Downs, you get a larger hotel, a spa, and a significantly bigger gaming floor. If you head to Maryland Live! or the MGM National Harbor, you are stepping into a full resort experience.
| Casino | Slot Machines | Key Feature | Distance from Harrington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midway Slots | ~1,500 | Attached to Raceway/Fairgrounds | — |
| Dover Downs | ~3,200 | Full Hotel & Spa | ~45 mins |
| Delaware Park | ~2,500 | Large Sportsbook & Golf Course | ~1 hour |
| MGM National Harbor | ~3,000 | Resort Destination | ~1.5 hours |
Midway wins on convenience and crowd levels. If you hate waiting for a machine or navigating a packed parking garage on a Friday night, Midway offers a breath of fresh air. It’s a “locals” spot that welcomes travelers without the chaos.
Delaware Online Casino Alternatives
Maybe you aren’t ready to drive to Harrington. Delaware was actually the first state to legalize online casino gambling (outside of New Jersey’s early entry), so you have legitimate options on your phone. If you prefer playing from your couch in Wilmington or Rehoboth Beach, you can access platforms powered by national operators.
Sites like BetRivers Casino (which powers the retail sportsbook at Midway), Caesars Palace Online Casino, and Borgata Online operate legally within state lines. The game libraries are vastly larger—you’re looking at 500+ slot titles compared to the physical floor’s 1,500 machines, but the online variety includes RTP (Return to Player) percentages that are often higher than land-based slots. Plus, welcome bonuses are substantially more aggressive online. A typical Delaware welcome offer might be a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 with a 15x wagering requirement, which is mathematically far better than anything you’ll extract from a physical slot machine’s payout percentage.
FAQ
Is Midway Slots and Casino open all year round?
Yes, the casino operates year-round, even though the Delaware State Fair only happens in July. The racing schedule is seasonal, but the slots floor and dining facilities remain open standard hours throughout the year.
Can you smoke inside Midway Slots?
No. Delaware state law prohibits smoking inside casinos and gaming facilities. You will need to step outside to designated smoking areas. This is a significant difference from some casinos in neighboring states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania where indoor smoking sections still exist.
What is the minimum age to gamble at Midway Slots?
You must be 21 years of age or older to play slot machines and table games. However, for pari-mutuel wagering on harness racing, the minimum age is 18. You will need a valid government-issued ID to enter the gaming floor.
Does Midway Slots have table games like blackjack or roulette?
No, Midway Slots is primarily a slot machine facility. It does not offer live dealer table games like blackjack, roulette, or craps. If you are looking for table games, you would need to travel to Delaware Park, Dover Downs, or casinos in neighboring states like Maryland or New Jersey.
Does Midway Slots have a hotel on the property?
No, there is no hotel directly attached to the casino. There are several hotels and motels in Harrington within a short driving distance, but Midway is primarily a day-trip or local destination rather than a resort stay.